Father and Daughter from Saipan Serve Together in Afghanistan

Father and Daughter from Saipan Serve Together in Afghanistan
Guam News
Written by Sgt. Edward Siguenza
1-294th Infantry Regiment
Friday, 27 September 2013

CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – There’s something symbolic about dolphins in the Igitol clan and it’s not just because the mammals constantly swim around their Pacific Island home.

Spc. Ivan Igitol permanently branded five dolphins on his arm, representing his five children and Carolinian heritage.

Spc. Brittney Igitol tattooed one on her neck, symbolizing her love for her island culture.

Deep in an Afghanistan desert, where Brittney’s Foxtrot Company, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, Guam Army National Guard, runs Operation Enduring Freedom missions, the dolphin mythology exist. Same in Kabul, where Ivan’s Headquarters Company bravely executes missions. The father-daughter tandem is friendly, listens well, and not afraid of danger. Oh, and they don’t just communicate through phone calls and emails. Their family bond connects them through sonar.

“I’m proud of her and all my kids. Brittney chose to make the same sacrifices I am,” said Ivan.

“Our family knows we’re here for the same thing. We wanted to deploy to serve our country; we’re here to help protect our family.”
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